The term "knocking copy" refers to a style of advertising that uses negative language to point out the flaws or shortcomings of a competitor's product or service. The spelling of "knocking" is unusual and can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈnɒkɪŋ/, with the "k" and "n" sounds combining to form the "kn" cluster. This spelling is commonly seen in words of Germanic origin, such as "knight" and "knee". The term "knocking copy" is often employed in advertising and marketing, particularly in fiercely competitive industries.
Knocking copy refers to an advertising or promotional material that is designed to criticize or undermine a competitor's product or service in order to persuade potential customers to choose the advertiser's offering instead. It is a term commonly used in the marketing and advertising industry.
Knocking copy aims to highlight the weaknesses or flaws of a rival's product, often by highlighting negative aspects or comparing it unfavorably to the advertiser's own product. The primary goal is to sway consumer perception towards the advertiser's brand by creating doubt or discrediting the competitor.
This type of advertising technique typically employs aggressive or confrontational language, seeking to persuade consumers through a mixture of facts, opinions, and subjective claims. Knocking copy may emphasize superior features, quality, price, or customer satisfaction in order to weaken the appeal of the competitor's product.
Although knocking copy can be an effective form of advertising, it is important for marketers to tread carefully as it can also carry legal implications. Competitors may respond with legal action if they feel the claims made in the knocking copy are false or misleading.
Overall, knocking copy is a strategic approach used by advertisers to influence consumer decision-making by discrediting competitors and positioning their own product as the superior choice.
The etymology of the phrase "knocking copy" can be traced back to the newspapers and journalism industry. The term "knocking" in this context refers to criticizing or denigrating someone or something, often used as a verb to mean "to find fault with". On the other hand, "copy" refers to written material, specifically articles or written content for publication.
The phrase "knocking copy" emerged in the 19th century when newspapers started publishing sensational or scandalous stories that were aimed at attracting readers through controversial or critical content. These articles were often filled with negative or disparaging remarks about a person, event, or topic. The term "knocking copy" was used to describe this type of news story or article that focused on attacking or criticizing the subject matter.